by Jeremy "Fasttalker" Bjornberg - 09/07/2005
Boxing fans were treated to a treat earlier this year when Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao battled in a fight of the year candidate. Maybe to hype up the rematch more, or just to spare themselves 2 wars so close together, they decided to fight on a card together to set up their rematch. Both are facing contenders, but Morales always elects for as tough of an opponent as possible. Morales will be fighting talented Zahir Raheem, an ex US Olympian. Raheem's only loss was a controversial decision to Rocky Juarez. Raheem is quick of foot, and has good handspeed. Pacquiao will be facing rugged contender Hector Velazquez. Hector has only lost once in his last 11 fights, to none other than Rocky Juarez. The fights take place this Saturday on HBO.
Doc's was able to call the Morales vs. Pacquiao fight exactly as it went and Doc's will make available picks for this coming weekend. Last weekend Showtime offered a pretty decent card featuring a battle of cruiserweight contenders as well as a main event of 2 heavyweight contenders. The first match pitted once beaten Wayne Braithwaite, and ex Cruiser champion against Guillermo Jones. Braithwaite keeps coming in at 190 or 192 and once again it cost him. I am not sure if Braithwaite is too small or too stupid to realize that the limit is now 200, and every pound was needed. Jones came out very aggressively and was able to hurt and daze Braithwaite immediately. Braithwaite stayed on his feet but was hurt in rounds 1 and 2. Round 3 Braithwaite mounted an offense, hurting Jones to the body and head w/sharp shots. However Round 4 would be the beginning of the end as Jones again hurt Braithwaite and jumped on him, staggering him all over the ring. Wayne refuses to duck and hold his hands up so it was no surprise when he was stopped by a barrage from Jones. It was a bit of an early stoppage but it wouldn't have mattered, Braithwaite needs to regroup and learn to keep his hands up. Jones is an interesting contender, he started at welterweight and now is 52 pounds heavier and still a power puncher. The other televised fight featured highly ranked Owen Beck against late sub and local hero Ray Austin. Austin is a known spoiler and he lived up to his reputation, outworking Beck and taking a decision. Very impressive for Austin, he deserves a shot against a top tier fighter. Austin outgunned and mugged Beck most of the night.
Doc's will be analyzing the upcoming September 17 card featuring Marco Antonio Barrera and Shane Mosley as well later this week.
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